Ethereum is constantly evolving. From the shift to Proof-of-Stake with "The Merge" to making Layer 2 transactions cheaper with "Dencun," each upgrade brings us closer to a fast, secure, and decentralized future.
The next milestone is Glamsterdam, coming in late 2026. Think of it not as one giant, flashy feature, but as a series of smart, behind-the-scenes renovations that prepare the Ethereum house to support more activity without sacrificing what makes it special.
What exactly is Glamsterdam?
It's a two-part upgrade:
- Amsterdam: Upgrades the "Execution Layer."
- Gloas: Upgrades the "Consensus Layer."
Together, they change how Ethereum builds, verifies, and propagates blocks. Instead of just pushing limits to the breaking point, Glamsterdam upgrades the protocol to handle growth sustainably.
The upgrade focuses on two long-term goals:
- Parallel Processing: Preparing the network to run tasks simultaneously.
- Long-term Health: Keeping the network efficient as it stores more data.
1. Streamlining Block Building (ePBS)
Currently, Ethereum validators often rely on third-party services like MEV-Boost to get the best blocks, which sit outside of Ethereum’s core protocol. Glamsterdam brings this process directly into the heart of Ethereum.
Imagine buying concert tickets. Instead of going through a third-party reseller that charges extra fees and adds complexity, you’re now buying directly from the venue’s official site. It’s cleaner, safer, and everyone follows the same rules.
2. Unlocking Parallel Processing (BALs)
Right now, Ethereum processes transactions in a single file, one after another, like a queue at a grocery store where everyone waits for the person in front to finish paying.
Glamsterdam introduces Block-Level Access Lists (BALs), which give clients advance visibility into the accounts and data a block will access. This lays the groundwork for a "multiple checkout lane" system. If two people are sending ETH to completely different wallets, they don't affect each other. Being able to process these types of independent transactions at the same time is a huge step toward significantly higher throughput.
3. Increasing Capacity
Ethereum has been gradually increasing gas limits, and Glamsterdam sets the stage for even larger blocks.
Think of it like adding lanes to a highway. The cars (transactions) don’t necessarily move faster, but you can fit more of them on the road at once, which drastically cuts down on traffic jams during busy times.
4. Sustainable Growth
Every time a smart contract runs, it leaves a permanent data footprint that nodes need to store forever. Glamsterdam changes how we price this long-term storage.
It’s similar to cloud storage. Storing a photo for 10 years requires more maintenance and resources than storing a temporary cache file. This adjustment ensures that Ethereum remains practical and lightweight enough for people to run their own nodes without needing massive, expensive hardware.
5. Better Pricing for Simple Transfers
Glamsterdam makes the protocol smarter about how it charges for work. Simple tasks, like sending ETH between wallets, should cost less because they require less computational heavy lifting.
It’s like paying standard postage for a letter instead of being charged the price of a freight shipment for every envelope. You pay for the work actually done.
What does this mean for you?
For Validators
Glamsterdam is a software upgrade. You’ll need to:
- Update both your execution and consensus clients.
- Test on public testnets before mainnet launch.
- Watch for official client release announcements.
For ETH Holders
If you stake with Stakin by The Tie, you don’t need to do a thing. Our team manages all the technical heavy lifting, testing, and upgrades to ensure your validator keeps running smoothly.
You don't need to do anything. You don’t need to migrate, "upgrade" your ETH, or move your funds. As always, be wary of scams claiming you need to "update" your assets, those are most likely fake.
Looking Ahead
Ethereum’s path is built step by step. Glamsterdam is the next essential phase in making the network faster and more capable, all while staying true to its core mission of decentralization.
At Stakin by The Tie, we’re already prepping for the transition and will keep you posted as we get closer to the launch date.
DISCLAIMER: This is not financial advice. Staking and cryptocurrency investment involve a certain degree of risk, and there is always the possibility of loss, including the loss of all staked digital assets. Additionally, delegators are at risk of slashing in case of security or liveness faults on some PoS protocols. We advise you to DYOR before choosing a validator.
